Please note that this workshop is for clients of Local Enterprise Offices in Tipperary, Clare and Limerick only.  Please contact your Local Enterprise Office if you are not from one of these areas.

This programme run on the following dates:-

• Wednesday 11^{th Feb}
• Wednesday18^{th Feb}
• Wednesday 24^th Feb
• Wednesday 4^th March

Course Content

• Feedback on your product idea from the workshop facilitator
• Understanding how to conduct research for your food business and how to complete a food business feasibility study
• Interpreting Irish food market trends and drivers
• Food safety overview
• Selecting the right channel to market for your product
• Costing and managing finance
• State agency supports and funding
• Distribution and logistics
• Identifying a unique positioning for the product
• Understanding branding and communicating the key brand messages
• Supports available for your food journey and where to next

Ideally, participants should have previously completed the LEO Start Your Own Business Programme. This programme content assumes participants have the required business knowledge to run a successful business e.g. must already understand the basics of setting up a business, tax compliance rules, creating a business plan etc.

If you are considering applying for the Food Academy programme in the future, this programme will provide an excellent opportunity to boost your chances of securing a place. The Food Starter programme is a pre-requisite for those planning to go on and participate in the Food Academy.

Please note that the programme content is not suitable for those planning to open a cafe, restaurant or foodservice operation (business owners from these categories should discuss options with their LEO).

The programme content is focused on food and drink, and is therefore less suitable for those producing "near foods" such as pet foods, health supplements, etc. (Producers from "near food" categories should be advised that the programme content may have shortcomings, but it is still possible for producers from these categories to participate in the Food Starter programme).

COURSE TRAINER - CONOR HYDE, BULLSEYE:

• Successful food export business which now exports Irish Whiskey to over fifty counties internationally ( www.hydewhiskey.ie )

• Over the last twenty years, Bullseye ( www.bullseye.ie ) has helped dozens of Irish food companies to successfully launch

• Thirty years Food Marketing and food exporting experience in senior marketing manager positions with Golden Vale, Kerry Foods, & Dairygold Co-op.

• Conor is eager to share his real-world exporting knowledge and expertise with course participants

• Excellent network of export contacts in key target markets (Retailers, Distributors etc)

• Export partnership agreements in: France, Germany, Scandinavia, and the UK.

• Proven track record of export training & mentoring experience

• Extensive experience in export strategy development in key target markets

• In depth knowledge of export trends and market opportunities

• Export marketing experts for over 20 years (Established in 2001)

• Practical, day-to-day insight and knowledge of SME export challenges

• Good Track record in launching many Irish brands into export markets worldwide

• Bullseye have successfully executed a number of similar export Courses in the past for: The Irish Exporters Association, Local Enterprise Boards, and various County Councils.